The article discusses how hospitals are increasingly reporting pregnant women to child welfare authorities based on positive drug tests, often caused by medications administered during labor or pregnancy. The cases of Amairani Salinas and Victoria Villanueva, who were reported to child welfare despite drug tests being linked to hospital-administered medications, are highlighted. Medical professionals are often unaware or untrained to properly interpret drug test results, leading to false reporting. While hospitals are required to report drug-exposed babies, there is no mandate to confirm test results before doing so. Pregnant women with a history of addiction face additional challenges when disputing positive drug tests caused by hospital medications. The consequences of faulty drug tests can be severe, especially for those with addiction histories who are less likely to be believed. Hospitals are advised to use screening questionnaires rather than universal drug tests, but the practice remains common. Ultimately, the system is flawed and requires effort to slow down or stop inaccurate reports. The article also emphasizes the impact of false reporting on mothers emotionally, as it can prevent them from enjoying their newborns. The story of Villanueva, who was questioned and investigated by child welfare authorities after a positive drug test attributed to hospital-administered morphine, underscores the detrimental effects of false reporting on innocent women and their families.
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Hospitals notifying child welfare agencies when women are prescribed childbirth drugs
